What To Know
- This means that if you do not redeem or earn any AAdvantage miles within an 18-month period, your existing miles will expire.
- There are a few exceptions to the 18-month expiration rule for American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
- By earning miles frequently, redeeming them regularly, maintaining Elite status, and using co-branded credit cards, you can prevent your miles from expiring and enjoy the rewards they offer for years to come.
For frequent flyers, accumulating loyalty points is a rewarding endeavor. However, the question of “does American Airlines loyalty points expire?” often lingers in the minds of travelers. Understanding the expiration rules can help you maximize your points and avoid losing them prematurely. This comprehensive guide will explore all aspects of American Airlines loyalty point expiration, providing you with the essential information to safeguard your rewards.
Expiration Rules for American Airlines AAdvantage Miles
American Airlines AAdvantage miles, the loyalty currency of the airline, do expire. The expiration period for AAdvantage miles is 18 months from the date they were earned. This means that if you do not redeem or earn any AAdvantage miles within an 18-month period, your existing miles will expire.
Exceptions to the Expiration Rule
There are a few exceptions to the 18-month expiration rule for American Airlines AAdvantage miles:
- Elite Status: AAdvantage members with Elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) have their miles extended for an additional 12 months.
- Co-Branded Credit Cards: Miles earned through co-branded American Airlines credit cards do not expire as long as the card remains active.
- Mileage Sharing: Miles transferred to another AAdvantage member will not expire within the original 18-month period.
- Redemption: Redeeming AAdvantage miles for any type of award, including flights, upgrades, or merchandise, will reset the expiration timer to 18 months from the redemption date.
How to Prevent AAdvantage Miles from Expiring
To keep your AAdvantage miles from expiring, you can take the following steps:
- Earn Miles Frequently: Earning AAdvantage miles through flights, credit card spending, or other eligible activities will reset the expiration timer.
- Redeem Miles Regularly: Redeeming miles for flights, upgrades, or merchandise will extend the expiration date for all your AAdvantage miles.
- Maintain Elite Status: Achieving and maintaining Elite status with American Airlines will grant you an additional 12 months of expiration protection.
- Use Co-Branded Credit Cards: Using co-branded American Airlines credit cards ensures that your miles will not expire as long as the card remains active.
Expiration of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)
Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) are a different type of loyalty currency used to qualify for Elite status with American Airlines. EQMs do not expire, regardless of your activity or status.
Expiration of American Airlines Upgrade Certificates
American Airlines upgrade certificates have a validity period of 12 months from the date they are issued. After 12 months, the upgrade certificates will expire and cannot be used.
Expiration of American Airlines Award Travel
Once you have redeemed AAdvantage miles for an award flight, the award ticket will not expire. However, the flight itself must be taken within one year of the booking date.
Final Thoughts: Safeguarding Your AAdvantage Miles
Understanding the expiration rules for American Airlines AAdvantage miles is crucial for maximizing your loyalty benefits. By earning miles frequently, redeeming them regularly, maintaining Elite status, and using co-branded credit cards, you can prevent your miles from expiring and enjoy the rewards they offer for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do American Airlines loyalty points expire?
A1. Yes, American Airlines AAdvantage miles expire after 18 months of inactivity.
Q2. Are there any exceptions to the expiration rule?
A2. Yes, Elite members, co-branded credit cardholders, and miles transferred to other members have extended expiration periods.
Q3. How can I prevent my AAdvantage miles from expiring?
A3. You can earn miles frequently, redeem miles regularly, maintain Elite status, or use co-branded credit cards.
Q4. Do Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) expire?
A4. No, EQMs do not expire.
Q5. How long are American Airlines upgrade certificates valid for?
A5. American Airlines upgrade certificates have a validity period of 12 months.
